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After losing their two opening games of the new Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) season, Humble Lion coach Glendon 'admiral' Bailey admitted a third straight defeat would have been demoralising.

The experienced coach stated that they were determined to come away from their game against defending champions Portmore United at the Spanish Town Prison Oval, yesterday, with 'something'.

The game ended 0-0 to give the Clarendon-based side their first point in three matches and Bailey hopes this will be a turning point for his team.

"We talked about it before the game and the commitment was that we weren't going to leave here without something and travelling on the road and getting a point against the defending champions is very good," Bailey said after the game.

Although it is not the start the title aspirants were looking for, Bailey said the result could kick-start their season and believes there were many positives from the game to build on.

"It's a start. Three games, one point, but it's a start. It's early and what this does to the players is lift them. If we had lost here today, losing three games would be very demoralising. So this does something to lift them and I think they are starting to believe," he reasoned.

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TAKE ADVANTAGE

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In a lively encounter, both teams created more than enough chances to trouble the score with Humble Lion enjoying the better opportunities in the first-half.

They, however, failed to take advantage and when both teams returned for the second-half, it was Portmore, who created more openings and looked more likely to score.

Francois Swaby got the best chance to opening the scoring midway the second-half, when he was played through on goal, but he hesitated and his effort was blocked for a corner.

Moments later, Portmore broke away on goal but Roshane Sharpe dragged an equally glorious opportunity wide of the target.

Despite the tough conditions, which were created by a heavy downpour in the second-half, both teams continued to battle away and had chances to steal the points at the death. But in the end a draw was a fair result.

Portmore United coach, Shavar Thomas, continues to rue his team's poor form in front of goal.

"It was one (game) that we were in control from the start, especially in the second-half. We created a lot of chances but it's just for us to connect in front of goal. It is something we are going to work on in the weeks to come, so we are not worried. We got the chances and did some good things, so we want to focus on the good things," he said.

"This is our second game with a clean sheet, the backline was intact and very stingy. So it's just to connect on the offensive end and win games," Thomas added.

Montego Bay United will host high-flying Mount Pleasant in the North Coast derby in tonight's feature.

Results:

UWI 1-0 Cavalier

Tivoli Gardens 1-0 Dunbeholden

Arnett Gardens 2-0 Reno

Portmore 0-0 Humble Lion

Waterhouse 4-0 Harbour View

Today's game:

Montego Bay United vs Mount Pleasant